Unicef launched its annual report on child wellbeing today which found one in 10,000 of 15 to 19-year-olds in this country will die by suicide.

The charity’s Irish chief Peter Power described the findings as a “wake-up call”.

He said: “Despite economic recovery and the idea the consequent rising tide will benefit everyone it is clear children are experiencing real and substantial inequality and we risk leaving them behind. Services are inadequate in several areas and policy change is badly needed.”

The research found Irish teenagers are increasingly concerned about their mental health and there has been a spike in the number reporting psychological symptoms.

More than 22% of 11 to 15-year-olds experienced such feelings up to twice a week.

Ireland was eighth highest for teenagers who reported being drunk in the past month, while 23% of children are living in various levels of poverty.

The teen birth rate has dropped since 2005 and Ireland is now ranked 25th.